A hairball once or twice a year is not an abnormal occurrence. If your cat vomits in excess of this, let’s say a few times weekly or monthly, then you kitty may have a problem. Cats should be able to digest the food they eat and the hair they routinely groom. Their bodies were made for this as eating and grooming are everyday occurrences.

Vomiting frequently is unhealthy for your cat and may lead to other health concerns in addition to the underlying condition that makes them vomit in the first place. Frequent vomiting can cause esophageal, gum and tooth problems. The acid from your cat’s stomach is highly irritating to the soft tissues in the mouth and esophagus. Just like in people with eating disorders such as bulimia, the vomiting causes damage to the body.

Diagnosing the cause of your cat’s vomiting is the first step to fixing the problem. Causes of vomiting are broad. They include parasitic infection, food intolerances/sensitivities, food allergies, immune system disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, kidney disease, liver disease, or pancreatitis. Often cats will have more than one of these issues causing the vomiting so when running diagnostic tests, thoroughness is necessary. When choosing a veterinarian make sure they have digital radiography and ultrasound available as these tools are frequently used in diagnoses.

Fortunately, most causes of vomiting are treatable. Your veterinarian may recommend a food change, adding a pro-biotic to your cat’s diet, parasite control, or a daily medication if the problem is deemed more serious. Whichever the case, the vomiting can be controlled.

Remember cats should not vomit frequently, if your cat does then it’s time to call the veterinarian and find out why. Your input may be very useful to your veterinarian. Keep a feeding log as well as a log of when your cat throws up.

Northern Illinois Cat Clinic is a full service cat-only veterinary clinic that has been providing exceptional cat care with state-of-the-art technology since 1982. Their goal is to make your cat feel at home in their comfortable, safe and loving environment. The American Association of Feline Practitioners has recently certified the Northern Illinois Cat Clinic as a Cat-Friendly Practice. Learn more at online at http://northernilcatclinic.com, visit them at 295 Peterson in Libertyville, or follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/NorthernIllinoisCatClinic.